Minority files motion to review ruling on Ghana-linked cocaine probe

The Minority in Parliament has officially filed a motion requesting Speaker Alban Bagbin to review his previous ruling that dismissed a proposed parliamentary inquiry into international drug trafficking through Ghana. Led by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the caucus is seeking to overturn the decision that prevented a legislative probe into recent cocaine seizures linked to Ghanaian exports. The Minority maintains that the necessity for accountability and the integrity of the nation's borders justify an independent parliamentary investigation despite any ongoing legal proceedings.

Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin argued that ongoing criminal prosecutions should not serve as an obstacle to Parliament's oversight responsibilities regarding port security and border control systems. He emphasized that the proposed review is a formal demand for accountability rather than a challenge to the Speaker’s authority. According to the Minority Leader, the effectiveness of the country’s customs controls must be evaluated to address the reputational damage Ghana faces internationally. He questioned the current state of national security under President John Mahama's administration, asserting that the nation's borders must command respect and be shielded from exploitation by narcotics traffickers.

The Majority Leader, James Agalga, has indicated that the Majority caucus is prepared to engage in a full debate on the matter should the Speaker permit the review. The push for this inquiry highlights growing concerns over the potential exploitation of Ghana's trade routes for illicit activities and the impact on the nation's global standing. If the review is granted, it could lead to a broader parliamentary investigation into the performance of public institutions tasked with managing the country’s exit and entry points, aiming to restore confidence in the nation's export security protocols.